Q&A: Chest X Ray During First Trimester?

My OB/GYN said that all pregnant woman get chest x-rays at the beginning of their pregnancies. It doesn't sound right to me. Should I get one if he suggests it? —maniataki

I wouldn't say that all pregnant women get a chest x-ray at the beginning of pregnancy, but there may be a reason why your physician wants to get a chest x-ray. One reason might be that your skin test for tuberculosis (PPD test) was positive or has been positive in the past, which means that your doctor wants to make sure that there is no evidence of active or chronic tuberculosis on a chest x-ray. I suggest asking your physician the specific reason why you need a chest x-ray.